Things You'll Need:
- Air compressor or compressed air
- Screw driver to take apart the plane
- Bench grinder or heavy grit sharpening stone
- Water
- Oil for stone
- Sharpening stone
- Clean rag
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Step 1
Blow compressed air through the block plane each time you use it. This maintenance process removes residue that can interfere with the use of the plane.
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Step 2
Take the block plane apart and inspect the adjustments. Sometimes simple things can interfere with the way the plane works. Look for hidden pieces of scrap in the throat.
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Step 3
Visually inspect for cracks in the body or parts of the plane. If you find a crack, replace the part. When you properly maintain a block plane, you also add safety to the list of benefits.
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Step 4
Inspect the blade for burrs and nicks. If you find either, you need to grind them down. To grind out a nick, use a bench grinder and a medium-grit wheel. Put the tip of the blade flat against the grinder and keep the beveled edge up. Go side to side. Keep the blade cool and prevent it from losing the temper with water.
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Step 5
Return the cutting edge with a rough-grind. Rest the beveled edge on the grinder and move it back and forth across the grinder as you return the bevel back to a 25-degree angle. Check frequently with an angle gauge. Remember to continuously cool the blade in water while you grind.
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Step 6
Finish the process on a fine-grit sharpening stone. Lubricate the stone with oil. Pull the blade toward you with the beveled edge down and flat against the stone. Frequently wipe the stone down to remove the residue and add more oil.
